Kobe Steel, Ltd. (TSE:5406) agreed to acquire remaining 48.31% stake in Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. (TSE:5476) from a group of shareholders for ¥3 billion on May 12, 2025. As part of the consideration Kobe Steel, Ltd. will allot and deliver 0.26 shares of its stock for each share of Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. The consideration is subject to change upon mutual discussion. Upon completion, Kobe Steel, Ltd. will own 100% stake in Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory board / committee, approval of offer by target board, approval of offer by target shareholders and consummation of due diligence investigation. The Board of Directors of Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. formed a special committee for the transaction. The deal has been unanimously approved by the board. The expected completion of the transaction is February 2, 2026.

Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. acted as financial advisor for Kobe Steel, Ltd. Nishimura & Asahi acted as legal advisor for Kobe Steel, Ltd. YAMADA Business Consulting Co.,Ltd. acted as financial advisor for Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. Anderson Mori & Tomotsune acted as legal advisor for Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. Stand by C Co., Ltd. acted as financial advisor for Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd. Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. acted as fairness opinion provider for Kobe Steel, Ltd. YAMADA Business Consulting Co.,Ltd. acted as fairness opinion provider for Nippon Koshuha Steel Co.,Ltd.